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Projecting or preparing? How unresolved money fears shape the next generation
The International Family Offices Journal
Vol. 10 - Iss. 2 pp. 19–25
Dec 2025
High-net-worth parents often fear wealth may negatively affect their children?s values, motivation, and relationships. Concerns include emotional distance, social isolation, and loss of a carefree childhood. These fears can lead to extremes?over-control through secrecy and rigid expectations or over-indulgence via financial enabling and conflict avoidance. While teaching financial skills is important, the missing first step is parental self-awareness: understanding personal beliefs and fears about money. This inner work reduces unconscious projections and creates a healthy psychological foundation for children, complementing practical education to ensure competence and resilience across generations.